Philadelphia Phillies: Vince Velasquez cannot fulfill promise as starter

The Philadelphia Phillies have placed Vince Velasquez on the Injured List once again, leaving one to wonder how much longer they can keep him in the rotation.

On Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies made a move in their starting rotation. Vince Velasquez was placed on the Injured List, with Cole Irvin being called up on Sunday to take his place in the rotation. This time, Velasquez has been shelved with a right forearm strain, the latest in a litany of injuries for the talented righty.

As it stands, Velasquez and the Phillies may have dodged a bullet. He only expects to miss one start due to injury, and is hopeful that he will be ready for his next turn in the rotation.

Even with that favorable thought process, this is still a red flag. Velasquez has missed plenty of time over the years, having dealt with a litany of injuries that also include a biceps strain and a flexor strain.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Given his growing list of injuries, there have been questions about Velasquez’ long term place in the Phillies plans. Obviously, they would prefer to keep him as a starter, especially given the promise he has displayed in the past. This year, Velasquez appears to have taken a step forward, posting a 3.86 ERA and a 1.352 WHiP, striking out 32 batters in 30.1 innings.

However, at some point, Velasquez will need to show some durability. Over the course of his professional career, he has yet to pitch for more than 146.2 innings in a season. At 27 years old, and in his seventh professional season, the training wheels have to come off at some point in time.

The problem is, Velasquez may simply be unable to handle such a role. His pure stuff, particularly his fastball and slider, would play up well in the bullpen. Likewise, his lack of durability and his command issues would not be as much of an issue. While the Phillies may want to keep Velasquez in the rotation, they also may not have much of a choice.

Vince Velasquez is injured once again. While this injury is not considered to be serious, it is another strike against the Philadelphia Phillies hopes to keep him in the rotation for the long term.